52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

[SporterII]

I am going to look at a 52C tomorrow. It is owned by an elderly Gentleman who has had it 'a long time'.
My brain is churning.I have had a lot of bad, fair and decient rimfires but never a 'custom' special'.
I have a good '50yd' rifle. A CZ American that will shoot in the 3's.Not always, but good enough for excellent sessions.
Having two I do not find excessive.
Remington 700's seem to be getting scarce and this pops up.
Worthy of this kind of concideration?

 

[Marksman]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

Frankly, it would be a shame to tear apart a factory 52C, and I doubt you would be ahead by doing so.

 

[SporterII]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

I believe you both are right.
I will leave it to his next interested party.

 

[steve123]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

I'd investigate to find out if it is all original as a collector gun first. If it is a good collectors piece then I would leave it as is.

If it has been modified already then it would be a cool platform to build from. 52's pretty much rate as a custom rifle in quality even from the factory because they are built so well.

I'd love to have a custom 52 built up as a tactical trainer.

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

Most 52s have been modified in some fashion over the years. A 100% original collector grade rifle is a rare find. The difference in value between one and the other is about 50%.

The biggest challenge you will face is getting a correct tactical stock to fit its odd receiver dimensions and get it inletted for the 52 action. I suspect not one of the fiberglass stock makers has a CNC inlet for the 52. It would be a manual job, once you were able to match up a stock pattern that it would fit in.

If you find a beater/modified 52 and can figure out how to put a modern scope on it, it may have already had an adjustable cheekpiece added to it. You can most certainly mess around/modify a target stock made for sling and coat shooting to make it work well with a bag and bipod.

Having it turn out like a 40X in an A5 or AICS though is not feasible.

 

[NYCEGUY01]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

52's are fantastic guns...
Unfortunatly even modified they usually arent gonna be cheaper than you can get into a 40x and put your choice of trainer stock on it etc..
A CZ is another great choice...

Heres a 1951 52B I just sold, It went for around $1000.
It has extra holes drilled and tapped as well as an aftermarket stock. Its not a collector gun but it is unique.

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

Note above I said "and can figure out how to put a modern scope on it". This one above may have been drilled and tapped but has been done for a RTB scope not a modern internal adjustment compact (by comparison to an RTB) scope.

 

[SporterII]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

The rifle I know about is similar, has a scope, begins with an 'F', Flecker I think , and supposed to be otherwise unaltered.
I am going to pass on it. I have a CZ Varmint in the closet and have been unable to mentally get past the barrrel lug thing. I may just buy new, an Anshutz perhaps. Hit or miss recient reports but no barrel lug. Mabie I will get lucky.

 

[NYCEGUY01]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H_Cracka</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Note above I said "and can figure out how to put a modern scope on it". This one above may have been drilled and tapped but has been done for a RTB scope not a modern internal adjustment compact (by comparison to an RTB) scope.</div></div>
I only mentioned the holes as they hurt the value.

I love Anschutz rifles. I have a couple in the safe and one on the way here currently. One of these days I will finally break down and buy a 54:18 repeater...
I have a 54 single shot and a couple 64's but I just havent wanted to spend the money yet..
Maybe Ill throw a couple on Gunbroker and turn two into one...

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

The Feckers are worth some coin. Not stupid coin like the Unertls, but still bring good $$. Not to mention a good, usable scope.

Find out as much as you can about the rifle, including price, maybe post some pics, and let us know what you have there.

 

[alpinebob]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

I only throw this in because it is "related".
I have a pre WWII M52 Sporter in good condition and it shoots better than I deserve. It came to me with a Weaver J4 scope that is in poor shape but can be rebuilt for >$100, BUT it never was a good scope...What I am looking for is a better scope that will fit the scope vee blocks on the barrel????
Possibly a "scout" setup?

 

[SporterII]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

I think I will go look this thing over, mabie just buy it and make it available. I suspect it is an unmolested target rifle. My mentor told me many years ago what I wanted was a 75. My cup of tea. The old world stuff has its obvious charm. I am from old Italian, significant cars.Their charm, and craftsmanship is clear to me. It carries over. I am very well schooled in them and can advise when to buy. The 52's, I do not know. I wouldnt know if two holes, looking proper for some sight were placed later. I do believe it is worth 1200 if I like it and the scope is crisp as the metal.
Am I on dope?

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

So, are you backing away from your original question and now looking at it as potential whack material?

 

[SporterII]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

No, not now as potential 'wack' potential.
I think good advice here has detered me from that. I think it is not at this price something to make a load on either. If He has brought this to me because he enjoyed talking to me and I now see it as more of what it really might be, I can in turn pass it to someone who will appreciate finding it.
Not eloquent but something like that.

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

Uh, better change your definition of whack material bro. You bring Italian cars, women, and coffee into the equation.... see the parallel?

Few mechanisms of wood and steel are as savory as a vintage smallbore target rifle. One of my friends just bought a third safe to help protect his addiction.

 

[SporterII]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

I only meant to equate the greatness of design and execution.
Ferrari was known for their foundry.

 

[CMH]

Re: 52C a good basis for a 'LR' rimfire build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sporter II</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> My mentor told me many years ago what I wanted was a 75. </div></div>

I had a Winchester 75 that was an allright rifle for the price, but the trigger was absolutely dismal. To the point where it impeded serious target shooting. I eventually made a great trade on a Ruger 77/22 that my son now has and never looked back.